The charges stem from the period between June 1, 2005 and March 31, 2010. A spokesman for Revenue Quebec says the charges announced today are under the penal, not criminal, system and the maximum punishment is two years' imprisonment.

In addition, Accurso and his right-hand man, Frank Minicucci, are accused of filing false returns for the same period.

"It was a scheme that was elaborate and well-planned," said Revenue Quebec spokesman Stéphane Dion.

Accurso withdrew from his businesses amid a mounting pile of scandals and legal woes. Now added to that mountain of troubles are new charges against him and his firms — 470 of which directly name him as an individual or company administrator.

"Prison sentences will also be sought for the presumed cases of tax fraud in the construction industry," said a statement Wednesday from the revenue agency and Quebec's anti-corruption unit.

The statement also said the $8.5 million amount was only the minimum fine.